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In the installation of smart meters and other smart-grid technology, security hasn't been given adequate consideration, resulting in a "delicate dance with risk," says Patrick Miller, CEO of EnergySec, an advisory group. With hackers increasingly targeting infrastructure, Miller calls for the intelligent management of security risks.

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Smart-grid technology being tested by Northern Powergrid Holdings and Siemens could automatically operate washing machines and other appliances at times when power is cheap. This type of technology complements use of wind and solar power, which is more abundant at certain times.

The European Network and Information Security Agency says it sees potential benefits of the smart grid, but also a need for more cybersecurity. The agency proposes an end-to-end strategy and a regulatory framework related to smart-grid security.

More than half of U.S.-based utilities use satellites to help power their expanding grid-modernization initiatives, while an additional 22% plan to do so, according to a joint study conducted by the Utilities Telecom Council and VT iDirect. The study found that satellites offer a number of benefits to utilities moving toward smart-grid adoption, most notably ubiquitous coverage, but that misconceptions about costs and latency remain an impediment to wider deployment.

Sprint Nextel has signed partnerships with four smart-grid providers under which they will rent space on the carrier's wireless network, which will provide machine-to-machine connections for their services. Sprint closed the deals with smart-grid network provider Silver Spring Networks, building automation company Power Insight, meter maker Itron and substation networking firm Lanner Electronics.

Grid technologies have barely changed since the 19th century, writes Keith Redfern of GE Energy, and that's locking us into always-on carbon-based power production methods. If renewable energy is ever to outgrow its minority status, Redfern argues, we'll have to install new smart-grid technologies. "We need to view the smart grid as the holistic, end-to-end energy solution that it is," he adds.